To Thomas Jefferson from James J. Dozier, 29 November 1806

You will, I presume, think it strange to be addressed by a stranger, & a person in my situation (of which
you will Know in the sequel) On the subject I am about to proceed—

I am the oldest son of parents of a respectable Lineage. My father’s prospects at my birth, (in 1786) were
very flattering; I was, therefore, put early to school—at which place I continued until I arrived to my eighteenth year,
when the Old gentleman’s circumstances appeared to have undergone a considerable change—and not for the better—owing to
the unkindness of fortune in trading to New-Orleans. At, or about this time I was taken home; & it became essential that
I should labor for the sustenance of myself & father’s family—This I did with the greatest cheerfulness; determined (if
possible) to repair (so far as I could) the repeated hopes my father had sustained; when, unfortunately, an accident
happened that tended to impose all hopes of our accomplishing in any the most superficial manner the reparation above
alluded to! I have my shoulder dislocated, which rendered, & does still render me incapable of any kind of bodily labor.

Now, Sir, under these circumstances I have thought proper to make application to You for a pittance—

Not supplicating
anything, but what you shall, in time, be amply recompensed for, should
fortune prove propitious.

My inclination leads me to the study of Law: but Poverty is prohibiting.

I therefore wish to borrow of you the sum of two hundred dollars, which will (by using economy &c) be
sufficient to effect my inclination Should I be so fortunate, as to meet with your approbation in the above request, you
may rest assured that the principal with legal interest shall be honorably returned; for do not suppoze, Sir, that I would
ask it as a gift.

In making the above demand I do not believe that I exceed the dictates of reason; and should you acquiesce
thereto, I do not believe that You would exceed those of right!—

I have the honor to be, Sir, with
every sentiment of respect Yours &c

James J. Dozier

P.S. Should you see proper to afford the Aid required You can remit in Bank notes inclosed in a letter
directed to me in Mountsterling K.Y.

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Reference

Cite as

“To Thomas Jefferson from James J. Dozier, 29 November 1806,” Founders Online, National Archives, accessed April 11, 2019, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-4605. [This is an
Early Access document
from The Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
It is not an authoritative final version.]

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